Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System Review

Everything I Learned from the Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System

My search for a discreet and secure way to transport firearms in my vehicle led me to the Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System. As an individual who values both safety and convenience, I needed a solution that kept my firearms out of sight from casual observers while remaining easily accessible when needed. This system boasts a telescoping square bar design, offering versatility for various vehicle interiors, and adjustable bracket assemblies to accommodate different weapon sizes. The promise of ceiling mounting to keep firearms tucked away was particularly appealing.

The impetus for seeking out this particular gun rack stemmed from a growing concern about vehicle break-ins and the general unease of leaving firearms visible, even when secured. While my previous methods involved soft cases or simply placing them in the trunk, neither felt entirely satisfactory for peace of mind or quick deployment if necessary for self-defense scenarios. I had considered other overhead racks and even some console-mounted options, but the Big Sky Racks’ telescoping feature and ceiling-mount design stood out as a potentially cleaner and more integrated solution.

Upon receiving the Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System, my initial impressions were positive. The square-tube construction felt robust and hinted at good load-bearing capabilities. The components felt solid, and the anodized finish, while simple, suggested decent durability. The adjustable brackets seemed well-engineered, offering a good range of motion. There was a definite sense of a product built for practical application rather than aesthetics, which resonated with my needs.

Before settling on the Big Sky Racks, I had briefly looked at some less expensive, generic tension rod-style racks. However, concerns about their stability and the potential for damage to my vehicle’s headliner or visors led me to seek a more purpose-built solution. The Big Sky Racks offered a seemingly more secure mounting mechanism, and its focus on firearm protection, with padded brackets and heavy-duty nylon straps, swayed my decision.

My initial feeling upon unboxing and inspecting the components was one of cautious optimism. The build quality appeared strong, and the design elements seemed well-thought-out for its intended purpose. I was eager to see how it would perform once installed and loaded.

Real-World Testing: Putting Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System to the Test

My primary testing environment for the Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System was the interior of my regular cab truck. I specifically focused on its installation and functionality in this common scenario, as the user feedback highlighted its suitability for such vehicles. The goal was to evaluate its stability during typical driving conditions, including navigating urban streets, highway cruising, and some rougher country roads.

During initial testing, I encountered the expected need for careful adjustment of the telescoping bars to achieve a snug fit. Once secured, the rack demonstrated remarkable stability. Even over moderately bumpy terrain, there was no discernible rattling or shifting of the mounted firearms. The heavy-duty nylon strap proved to be exceptionally strong, providing secure retention for my rifle. I also appreciated how the padded brackets held the weapon firmly without marring its finish, a crucial detail for preserving the firearm’s appearance.

With extended use, the Big Sky Racks system has proven to be exceptionally reliable. Weeks of daily driving, including commutes, errands, and longer trips, have shown no signs of degradation in its performance. The telescoping mechanism has remained stiff enough to hold its position without loosening, and the set-screws on the brackets continue to provide a firm grip on the weapons. I’ve experienced no cracks, stiffness, or noticeable wear on the main components or the nylon strap.

Maintenance of this vehicle gun rack has been blessedly simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dust or minor grime. There are no complex parts to clean or lubricate, making it an easy addition to my vehicle maintenance routine. I have not encountered any particular failure points, which speaks to its straightforward and robust design. Compared to some older, less sophisticated racks I’ve used in the past, this system’s durability and low maintenance are significant advantages.

First Use Experience

The first installation of the Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System was surprisingly straightforward. Within about twenty minutes, I had the telescoping bars adjusted and securely in place. The ceiling mounting strategy meant no drilling or permanent modifications, which was a huge plus for me. My initial thought was that this was a far cleaner and more integrated solution than I had anticipated.

During that first drive, I was immediately impressed by the lack of noise or movement. The rack held my rifle steady, and I barely noticed it was there. It fulfilled the promise of being out-of-sight, truly hidden from view when looking through the windows. This immediately eased the concern I’d had about carrying firearms in my vehicle.

I encountered a minor surprise when I initially tried to mount a shotgun; the included brackets were perfectly adequate, but I realized the potential for even more secure and specialized mounting if I had other accessories. However, for standard rifles and shotguns, the stock setup was excellent. There were no significant quirks, just a smooth and functional initial use that exceeded my expectations for an aftermarket rack.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System has become an indispensable part of my vehicle setup. It has weathered countless trips, from grocery runs to longer excursions into more remote areas. The system continues to perform flawlessly, holding my firearm with the same steadfastness it did on day one.

The square-tube construction has proven its worth, resisting any signs of stress or deformation. The nylon strap shows no fraying, and the velcro closure remains strong, indicating good material quality. Even with repeated removal and reinstallation during cleaning, the telescoping mechanism maintains its tension. This level of durability is exactly what I expect from equipment that will be subject to the rigors of daily vehicular use.

Cleaning is minimal, typically involving a quick dusting. I haven’t needed to perform any deep cleaning or maintenance, which is a testament to the smart, simple design. For anyone looking for a set-it-and-forget-it type of solution, this system fits the bill perfectly.

Breaking Down the Features of Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System

Specifications

The Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System features a telescoping square bar construction, allowing it to adapt to a wide range of vehicle interiors. The square-tube construction is noted for its small dimensional strength, providing a solid foundation for mounting. Its application is categorized as a Shooting Accessory, specifically designed for vehicle use.

The adjustable bracket assemblies are a key component, designed to accommodate most weapons/accessories. These brackets can be firmly secured by tightening a set-screw on the back. The system offers ceiling mounting, providing a convenient and discreet storage solution. A heavy duty nylon strap anchored to a metal ring, along with thick, padded brackets, ensures protection for firearm finishes and scopes. The model reviewed here is the 2-Gun Gun Rack, indicating its capacity.

These specifications translate directly into user benefits. The telescoping square bar means users don’t need to worry about specific vehicle dimensions; it adjusts to fit. The robust square-tube construction inspires confidence in the rack’s ability to safely support firearms. The adjustability of the bracket assemblies ensures versatility, allowing for various firearm types and sizes to be mounted securely.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System is to provide secure, discreet, and accessible storage for firearms within a vehicle. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. The system’s main job is to hold firearms steady, and it excels at this.

Its strengths lie in its stability and ease of use. The telescoping square bar design creates a tension fit that is remarkably secure, and the adjustable brackets offer a firm grip. The heavy duty nylon strap is robust and keeps the firearm from shifting. A potential area for minor improvement could be the addition of different bracket styles for specialized accessories, though the current ones are highly functional for standard long guns. Overall, it meets and often exceeds expectations for its intended purpose.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this gun rack is decidedly utilitarian, focusing on function over form. The square-tube construction feels sturdy and built to last, with a no-nonsense aesthetic. The finish is adequate, prioritizing durability rather than high polish.

The ergonomics are centered around ease of installation and use. The telescoping mechanism is simple to adjust, and the set-screws for the brackets are easily accessible. Once mounted, accessing and securing a firearm is intuitive. The padded brackets and nylon strap are designed to be gentle on the firearm while providing a secure hold. The ceiling mount design is particularly ergonomic, keeping the firearm out of the way and out of sight.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on its construction and my extended use, the Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System appears to be built for long-term durability. The square-tube construction and solid metal components suggest it can withstand the vibrations and minor impacts of regular vehicle use for many years.

Maintenance is exceptionally low. A simple wipe-down is generally all that’s required. There are no complex moving parts prone to failure, and the materials used, such as the heavy duty nylon strap, are chosen for their resilience. Potential failure points might include the set-screws if overtightened repeatedly on the same spot, but this is easily mitigated by normal use and care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System comes with the essential components for mounting two firearms. This includes the telescoping square bars and the adjustable bracket assemblies with their securing set-screws. The package also includes the heavy duty nylon strap with its metal anchor ring and the thick, padded brackets themselves.

While this model is designed for direct use, the concept of the adjustable brackets leaves room for potential future accessory development from Big Sky Racks or third-party manufacturers. For instance, specialized mounts for optics or even sidearms could theoretically be adapted or created. However, as sold, it functions perfectly well for standard long guns, and compatibility with other brands’ accessories is not a primary design feature.

Pros and Cons of Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System

Who Should Buy Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System?

This Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System is an ideal solution for individuals who own regular cab trucks or vehicles with similar headliner space and prioritize discreet firearm storage. It’s perfect for hunters, sport shooters, or anyone who frequently transports firearms and wants them secured and hidden from public view. Those who value ease of installation without permanent vehicle modifications will also find this rack highly appealing.

However, individuals who need to transport more than two long guns simultaneously should look elsewhere, as this model’s capacity is fixed. It might also not be the best choice for those who prefer a highly customized or visually striking interior setup, given its utilitarian design. It’s also worth noting that while it’s great for rifles and shotguns, users with very specific or unusually shaped firearms might need to assess bracket compatibility carefully.

For those who do purchase it, I’d recommend ensuring the set-screws are tightened appropriately after initial installation to prevent any subtle loosening over time. Regular cab truck owners, in particular, will find this system a game-changer for their firearm transport needs.

Conclusion on Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System

The Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System is a remarkably effective and practical solution for discreetly transporting firearms in a vehicle. Its telescoping square bar design offers broad compatibility, while the heavy duty nylon strap and padded brackets ensure both security and protection for your valuable equipment. The ease of installation and the complete absence of permanent vehicle alterations are significant advantages that contribute to its overall user-friendliness.

Considering its robust build quality, reliable performance, and the peace of mind it provides, the $192.99 price point feels justified. It delivers on its promise of keeping firearms securely stowed and completely out of sight, making it an excellent value for its intended purpose.

I would personally recommend the Big Sky Racks Car Rack Gun Mounting System to anyone with a regular cab truck or similar vehicle space who needs a dependable, easy-to-install, and discreet firearm storage solution. If your primary concern is secure, hidden transport without compromising vehicle integrity, this system is a solid investment that performs admirably.